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My wish for 2014 is for the Sheffield City Region to become the most economically successful and sustainable place to live in the UK. A region that is forward-looking, led by innovation and improves the opportunities and well-being of everyone.

Sustainability is not just about re-cycling and saving energy, it is also about creating products and services that help us to reduce carbon and energy needs. Great examples of this are being developed and tested by businesses and the universities at the Advanced Manufacturing Park and elsewhere in the region. The demand for goods and services that promote sustainability is growing faster than demand in other sectors and we need to capitalize on this to promote growth and jobs.

A sustainable economy also raises the quality of people’s lives by improving health and well-being and creating opportunities that lead to fulfillment in education, work and in personal lives.

As well as running Green Directions, I am a member of the Sheffield City Region (UK) Low Carbon Sector Group. Together with partners, I am developing a major infra-structure proposal; FutureZone 20:50.

FutureZone 20:50 is a proposal for an innovation park, close to the Advanced Manufacturing Park www.attheamp.com/ , showcasing both a vision for living and working sustainably in the future and our region’s innovation and manufacturing excellence. It would include:

A vibrant interactive low carbon and innovation visitor attraction

a conference and exhibition centre

pavilions owned and run by companies highlighting their innovations and commitment to sustainability

a centre to showcase the outcomes of universities research and development programmes

a growth hub providing support for businesses to enter supply chains and capitalise on business opportunities ; for example, through the Catapult Centres

a low carbon retail zone

a low carbon transport hub including a cycle park

FutureZone 20:50 is about the future not the past. It is about inspiring and supporting sustainable growth for the economic and social benefit of people and communities.

My partners in the project are MMEK and Oliver Schutte. You might like to have a look at their websites to see examples of their inspiring work:

MMEK – a Dutch design company who have expertise in the creation of visitor attractions. http://mmek.nl/

10 acres of land in our spectacular location gives us so much scope for setting up enjoyable corporate events. We are able to put marquees up, run activities such as archery, give tours of the farm and our green technologies and show people round our colourful eco-friendly home.

Another great pleasure is to use our friends in the local community to provide services; for example, Bradfield Brewery (supplies beer and sometimes a full bar), Sheffield Bouncy Castle Hire and Our Cow Molly ice cream. We are also lucky to have helpful neighbours such as Clive Quarmby and Alan Russell who cut and bale our hay, leaving space in the fields so set up our events.

Here are some recent comments.

“Really nice place – Stunning views.”

“The food was really nice – the hog was delicious! I am still full!!!”

“All in all it was great! Mark and the family were very friendly and you felt welcome there.”